Raka epoxy

[JimD]

Everyone, I don't mean to dig up an old subject for the millionth time but sometimes problems with a particular product don't show up right away so I don't want to rely on old posts. I'm close to making a fairly large bulk purchase and Raka seems to have the lowest price. Anyone out there used raka some time ago and have any new problems to report with it? Anything else I should know about it?
jimd

[Gordy]

Jim,
I used Raka a few years ago and would definately use them again. I'd call in an order and it'd be at my door the next day! Ok, I live in the same state, Orlando. I like the fast and slow hardeners.

Usually I'd mix a batch of one squirt fast, one squirt slow, and two big squirts of resin. It's just about the right amount to work with.

Gordy

[Wayne Jeffers]

Jim,

If you want good epoxy cheap (much cheaper than Raka), have a look at Fiberglass Coatings, Inc. http://www.fgci.com/

Do a search in this forum for previous discussions of their products. You won't be sorry.

Wayne

[mhoffman]

Jim-
I have used several gallons of their 350 non-blushing stuff; can't say enogh good things about it. Great support, good prices, fast shipment. Low odor.
Matt

[cs]

Jim after running the gaunlet of a fewdifferent epoxy brands I finally landed on RAKA and have not been disponited. A lot of weekender builders have used RAKA and I've never heard a bad thing about them. In fact even Oyster has recomended RAKA to me.

Chad

[BillB]

I have used the 350 non-blush. I really like the stuff and have had great results. Larry (raka owner) is always glad to answer any questions too.
For some Epoxy test results you can peruse this link too:

http://www.oneoceankayaks.com/Epoxresl.htm

I have known quite a few people who used Raka and the results and comments were always a thumbs up.

Good luck!

Bill

[Mike Vogdes]

I just made a sizable purchase from them last week, this was my first time dealing with them and it was no problem, they are nice people to deal with and they gave me a good quanity discount. Got my order in three days... ****

[paul oman]

Less expensive and more selection of epoxies and related materials at

http://www.epoxyproducts.com/marine.html

http://www.epoxyproducts.com/marine.html

paul

[Tom Lathrop]

Paul,

That is a very full site with tons of information that I have not had time to look at. To say that this epoxy is less expensive than RAKA is totally incorrect. Unless I am reading something wrong, the listed prices are more than double what I last paid for RAKA.

Has anyone had a bad experience with RAKA that you could not trace to operator error? I had a stringy/lumpy situation to occur about 6 years ago that Larry and I never found the reason for. It later disappeared, even working with the same containers so it may have been contamination from one of the many solvents or cleaners around the shop.

[ 01-23-2003, 10:40 AM: Message edited by: Tom Lathrop ]

[capt jake]

Jim, I have nearly used up my second order from Raka. It is great stuff. I persoanlly like it better than West, and at nearly 1/3 the price you can't beat it!!

[paul oman]

Tom:

Progressive Epoxy offers about 5 or 6 different marine epoxies ranging from under $40 per gallon in 1.5 gallon units to a cycloaliphatic marine epoxy that can actually wet out fiberglass underwater for $60 gallon in 2 gallon units, plus several others in between.

Also note that the regular epoxies offered by RAKA, WEST etc are all Blushing epoxies, subject to amine blush while the epoxies listed above are non blushing epoxies. You can usually expect to pay several dollars more for the better non blushing epoxies offered by those companies. Comparing blushing epoxies to no blushing epoxies is sort of like comparing an SUV to a ford escort - both will get you there, but most folks would rather have the SUV, especially if equal or cheaper in price.

Anyway, other issues this time of year include low temperature cures, such as marine epoxies that can cure down to about 35 degrees F, and non-hamat curing agents that can be shipped by air/overnight without extra cost.

regards

paul

[capt jake]

Paul, I mean no offense, but this almost borders on a sales pitch, knowing that you own that company. Please I mean no offense. You have offered some great advice in prior posts, and I appreciate that, very much!

Just so we are all on the same playing field.

Cheers!

[paul oman]

Just trying to correct Tom (see above) and was trying to be very careful not to mention specific products or web links etc.

I am trying to do my best to pass along useful information and not company or product plugs. I usually do mention at the top of my posts I am in the epoxy business and represent several lines of products in the marine and industrial sector. As a person that works, writes, sells, and helps formulate epoxies nearly 24/7 every day of the year - I have a lot of user helpful info to pass along, and don't mind doing it. You can find me on the web as Prof. E. Poxy - ready to answer your epoxy questions!

I appreciate the gentle reminders that I may have crossed the line. Keep them coming when necessary. Again, no company links, product names, prices etc. (hard when talking about low price vs. epoxy performance/characteristics etc).

I certainly don't want to be booted out of the forum!

thanks to all of you! PAUL

[capt jake]

Paul, I really did not mean to offend you. I understand your situation, and you are posting, in my opinion, in a very helpful manor.
Thanks for all the advice that you offer here. Who knows, you may get my next order. smile.gif smile.gif

[garland reese]

I've been using RAKA's 350 non-blush for general repairs of our rowing shells, and for construction of a couple of canoes over the last few years. I've never had a blush problem. The 350 is very nicely priced, and it is very clear for cedar strip construction that will be intended to finish bright. It is thin, for good wet out. I used it to repair our work skiff last fall........so far so good (this boat is a beast :eek: ).
Garland

[JimD]

All input greatly appreciated. Thank you, gentlemen.
jimd